Senior Specialist, Estimating

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About Our Client:

Confidential.

Location: Toronto, ON or Ignace, ON (Hybrid work arrangement)

Position Scope:

Reporting to the Director, Business Planning & Enterprise Risk Management, the Senior Specialist – Estimating is responsible for establishing and maintaining lifecycle estimates for all the organization’s waste management programs and support the implementation of life cycle cost element plans across the organization. The role will also involve the analysis of financial performance against the Life Cycle Estimate (LCE), supporting cost management strategies, and delivering business reporting to key stakeholders. This position will have a matrix reporting relationship with the engineering team.

Responsibilities:

Provide expert cost estimating inputs, advice and lead the escalation & scaling of existing estimates cross functionally. Compare and evaluate long-term estimates prepared at different points in time. Analyze and explain cost element variances for escalations, work timing, volumes, and waste streams.
Prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labour and equipment for construction projects based on contract bids, quotations, schematic drawings, and specifications.
Liaise, consult, and communicate with engineers; architects, owners, contractors, sub-contractors, and prepare economic feasibility studies on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
Manage cost estimate inputs; obtain, manage, document and archive input data including Single Points of Contact (SPOC) input, escalation rates, labour rates and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). Advise and provide guidance to management on SPOCs cost estimates in accordance with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) best practices.
Provide data analysis and reporting, including the extraction and collation of data from various sources, creation of templates to solicit estimate input from SPOC and the modification of data in estimating software.
Coordinate the mapping of existing WBS data to the business to produce Work Element Definition Sheets (WEDS) and performing cost estimate validation.
Support the development of the annual business plan to ensure both strategic and quantitative consistency with the long-term strategy is detailed in the LCE.
Benchmark components of the existing estimate where applicable. Review and assess engineering and construction cost estimates submitted by others.
Compile cost estimate reports and summarize data for internal and external stakeholders. Co-ordinate periodic reviews of existing estimate components and assumptions.
Develop and maintain a milestone schedule for production and publication of the LCE. Assist with the development and implementation of all governance related to the LCE.
Work cross-functionally to oversee and conduct due diligence on the consolidation of the LCE inputs and workplans from key business functions. Ensure the LCE aligns with the business plan and organizational objectives, both strategically and quantitatively.
Assist with the maintenance of reporting structures and cost breakdown in the ERP system, including detailed cost management of various programs and project areas. Support the identification of opportunities for improvements within the ERP system.
Support the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process within the organization that is integrated into the organization’s business planning processes and provides the organization with the necessary parameters to identify, assess, evaluate, and manage its risks.
Develop operating metrics and reports to advance strategic planning, operational decision-making, continuous improvement, and learning. Monitor results from the various Lines of Business, to assess their performance against the LCE.
Develop and implement Business unit standards, procedures, and processes for estimating work.
Provide technical guidance and advice to staff throughout the organization on specification and negotiations of the same and ensure advice is complied with.
Provide analytical and strategic support when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

Knowledge of computer science for utilizing computer applications software to estimating.
Knowledge of technical writing for the preparation, editing and presentation of standards, procedures, manuals, reports, etc.
Broad knowledge of a project oriented or public sector business is an asset. Strong analytical skills with multivariable analysis (economy, politics, public sector, etc.)
Strong financial skills, understanding of profit & loss (P&L), balance sheet and project costing is an asset.
Working knowledge of Primavera P6 and InEight Estimating is an advantage.
Excellent Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint skills necessary.

Education and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience; however, those with lesser experience should not hesitate to apply:

4 years of University in Engineering, or by having the equivalent level of education.
Master’s Degree in business administration (MBA) designation an asset.
Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience in cost estimating, engineering principles and design theory, construction management concepts, methods and techniques, financial planning & analysis, project design, construction and / or business consulting.
Ability to visualize entire projects at the conceptual stage and an understanding of technology, plant components and systems.
Demonstrated experience estimating project control systems including a solid understanding of engineering and construction management concepts, methods, and techniques.
Experience across project design, construction, rehabilitation, and modifications to appreciate the spectrum of work situations surrounding major projects and in particular to generating facilities.
Proficiency in the application of relevant engineering and project management software tools.
Proven experience in writing reports and procedures. Proven experience in communication and interpersonal skills, to work effectively on committees or in team settings.
Experience in project management consulting, or cost estimating an asset.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please send a resume to Amanda Graham at amanda.graham@summitsearchgroup.com.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.